Vrikshasana

Vrikshasana

Tree Pose

From Tadasana, weight is shifted to one leg, for example, starting with the left leg. The entire sole of the foot remains in contact with the floor. The right knee is bent and the right foot placed on the left inner thigh, or in half lotus position. With the toes of the right foot pointing directly down, the left foot, center of the pelvis, shoulders and head are all vertically aligned. Hands are typically held above the head either pointed directly upwards and unclasped, or clasped together in anjali mudra.The asana is typically held for 20 to 60 seconds to stretch the spine, returning to tadasana while exhaling, then repeating standing on the opposite leg

Procedure:

1. Stand tall and straight with arms by the side of your body.2. Bend your right knee and place the right foot high up on your left thigh. The sole of the foot should be placed flat and firmly near the root of the thigh.3. Make sure that your left leg is straight. Find your balance.4. Once you are well balanced, take a deep breath in, gracefully raise your arms over your head from the side, and bring your palms together in ‘Namaste' mudra (hands-folded position).5. Look straight ahead in front of you, at a distant object. A steady gaze helps maintain a steady balance.6. Ensure that your spine is straight. Your entire body should be taut, like a stretched elastic band. Keep taking in long deep breaths. With each exhalation, relax the body more and more. Just be with the body and the breath with a gentle smile on your face.7. With slow exhalation, gently bring down your hands from the sides. You may gently release the right leg.8. Stand tall and straight as you did at the beginning of the posture. Repeat this pose with the left leg off the ground on the right thigh.

Benefits:

1. This pose leaves you in a state of rejuvenation. It stretches the legs, back and arms, and invigorates you.2. It brings balance and equilibrium to your mind.3. It helps improve concentration.4. This posture has been found to relieve some cases of sciatica.5. It makes the legs strong, improves balance, and opens the hips.

Precautions:

People who suffer from high blood pressure should not raise their arms overhead, therefore they should minimize Vrikshasana. Avoid Vrikshasana if you are suffering from headache and insomnia. The pose is not healthy for those who suffer from migraines and insomnia.It is also not suitable for those with low blood pressure or high blood pressure.If you have hypertension, do not raise your arms above your head for too long as there is a risk of getting a heart attack.

Position:

Stand straight, with both your hands high up in the air. Feel the stretch in both your arms and your torso.Shift your weight slowly to your left leg, planting it firmly on the floor.